Belalp

Belalp Ski Resort Switzerland

Belalp is one of a huge number of classic ski resorts that sit high in the alpine above the Rhone valley in Switzerland's Valais. Close to the major centre of Brig, the modern lifts, big skiable vertical, easy rolling ski terrain mainly over 2000m elevation and loads of winter walking and sled trails make Belalp great for families. Powderhounds will love Belalp on a powder day for the extensive off piste terrain accessible from the Hohstock T-bar and through the 'tunnel of love', plus the lower terrain in between the sled trail down to Blatten.

Belalp ski resort has one of the better on-mountain dining experiences in the region. Skiing down to Aletschbord, checking out the views across to the snout of the mighty Aletsch Glacier and supping on some superb traditional fare in the hotel Belalp is wonderful. Similarly, enjoying a few quiet après drinks at Chalet Sepp, then skiing the 8km sled run down to Blatten in the evening twilight is not only serious fun, but a Belalp rite of passage.

Cons

Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective

Resort villages are quiet;

Terrain is generally south facing and sun soaked;

Road up to Blatten bei Naters is challenging to drive (for some!).

Belalp Ski & Snowboard Terrain

Belalp ski and snowboard terrain is typical of many resorts on the 'alpine terraces' above the upper Rhone valley in the Valais. Just like Aletsch Arena, Crans Montana and numerous others, Belalp has the majority of its ski terrain above the tree line over 2000m elevation and accessed via cable car and gondola.

The Belalp alpine terrain provides over 1000m of skiable vertical, but it is largely gentle rolling piste suitable for beginners, intermediates and families. The exception is the Hohstock T-bar which has a little more 'oomph' to its piste. For freeride in the off-piste, any powder seeker will easily find fresh lines, albeit without long uninterrupted fall line. Again the terrain off the Hohstock T-bar is the go to area, and for longer runs, linking to the Sparrhorn chair.

Below the tree line, a combined ski and sled trail leads down to the base at Blatten. Rated a blue trail, be wary of taking beginners down it, other than perhaps early in the day when it is freshly groomed. The 8km run becomes increasingly testing as its tight bends get bumped and scoured by the traffic. In good snow, options to avoid the trail and ski off piste to the bottom provide the better way down for those determined not to download on the gondola.

It is possible to ski the entire 1790m vertical by linking several piste trails from top to bottom - distance of a whopping 14km.

Where is Belalp, Switzerland?

Belalp ski resort's main base village is the town of Blatten (bei Naters), less than 9km north of Brig. Regular buses (route 624) make the 20min journey to Blatten bei Naters from Brig's main train, tram and bus station.

Brig is a major Swiss transport hub, easily accessible by direct train from the international airports of Geneva and Zurich in 2.5hr. Click below for the best deals on train tickets to Brig.

Nearby Ski Resorts

A variety of other excellent Swiss ski experiences can be had in nearby ski resorts. Skiing at Lauchernalp, Aletsch Arena and the über traditional Rosswald is easily achievable via the train and/or bus from Brig. Similarly, the larger ski areas of Zermatt, Verbier & Andermatt-Sedrun are within a few hours travel by train, as is Saas Fee by train and bus.

Belalp Accommodation

A night or two spent at Belalp will certainly be an enjoyable experience for all visitors. Numerous lodging options are available to the casual visitor to Belalp ski resort.

Several well priced, ski in ski out hotels, lodges and chalets are on the upper mountain. The Hotel Belalp at Aletschbord, Hamilton Lodge at the top of the gondola and Hotel Sparrhorn near the base of the Sparrhorn chair, are all great options.

In the base village of Blatten bei Naters, the Hotel Blattnerhof is locating next to the bus stop, main car park and gondola base - perfect! loads of private chalets are avaialble for rent in and around the town. If all else fails, Brig, only 20min away by regular bus, always has great value rooms near the station.